The Boozan Kings

Abstract

On the sawdust-covered floors of the many New Orleans barrooms, strolling musicians and entertainers were never refused permission to put on their act, as long as they were sober and known. All that was necessary was to walk in and ask the bartender or owner for permission to perform. While shining shoes in the commercial section, which borders on the District, I would see small boys dancing and cutting the fool for tourists, who would throw them coins. I would pass through the District on my way to Canal Street to shine shoes. I saw these small boys open the swinging doors of these honky tonks and say sweetly, “Mister, can we come in and dance?”